Pianist Craig Hartley's debut--Books On Tape, Vol. 1 (Self Produced, 2013)--focused on autobiographically-based originals, with only a single cover in the mix. Now, for the sequel, Hartley flips the script. Books On Tape, Vol. II-Standard Edition is all about the covers, with only one Hartley-penned number on the program. Everybody from Duke Ellington to Paul McCartney and Johann Sebastian Bach to Miles Davis gets their due here. But don't let the focus fool you. This is anything ...

The work of any artist is typically the summation of their life experiences to a certain point, but many aren't aware of how or when these experiences seep(ed) into their art; pianist Craig Hartley just happens to have great awareness and a more confessional approach than most, as he lets specific occurrences, influences, events and individuals filter directly into his creative process for all to observe. On his debut, Books On Tape, Vol. 1, Hartley pays tribute to the people, ...

I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy

I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy. So music and jazz specifically have been a part of me since I was born. I love and perform in all styles of music from around the world. Improvisation in jazz is what drew me in, and still does as well as other genres that feature improvisation. A group of great musicians expressing themselves as one is the hallmark of great jazz and in fact all great music.